ACDC – an organization of and for persons with disabilities – was established in 2011 with the mission “Sharing Vision, Bringing Empowerment” Over more than a decade, ACDC has not only developed a wide range of service models and advocated for policy change but also strengthened and expanded networks of organizations and groups of persons with disabilities, while spreading the message of “leaving no one behind.” During the 2016 – 2024 period, ACDC made remarkable breakthroughs across these areas, reaffirming its strong commitment to improving the quality of life and promoting sustainable inclusion for the disability community.
Let’s take a closer look at the outstanding milestones ACDC has achieved on its journey from 2016 to 2024.
1. Policy Advocacy
ACDC has contributed feedback to the development and refinement of 12 key legal documents directly related to the rights and interests of persons with disabilities. These include the Law on Road Traffic, the Employment Law, the amended Law on Health Insurance, the amended Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, among others.
Nearly 100 policy recommendations have been submitted to policymaking bodies. Among them, several innovative policies with technical support from ACDC have been officially issued, such as: The Guidelines on Rehabilitation Services at Transit Areas within Medical Facilities, issued by the Ministry of Health under Decision No. 2762/QĐ-BYT in 2023; The Universal Accessibility Transportation Criteria, issued by the Ministry of Transport under Official Document No. 12622/BGTVT-VT in 2023.
One independent report monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was submitted to the UN Committee on the Convention in 2022. In addition, seven monitoring reports on the implementation of the CRPD and related disability policies have been developed.
2. Development of Models & Services
Ten support models have been maintained and further expanded, including:
Transit House Model: Seven Transit Houses have been established and replicated at rehabilitation stations and at the Hanoi University of Public Health (HUPH), with the seventh facility completed in 2023.
Safe Shelter Model: Three “Binh Minh Houses” are currently operating in Quang Nam, Thua Thien Hue, and Quang Tri. These serve as safe shelters for women and girls with disabilities who are survivors of gender-based violence.
Other impactful models have also been effectively implemented, including: Independent Living, Home- and Community-Based Rehabilitation, Home Care, Microcredit for Livelihood Improvement, Accessibility Support, Legal Counseling, among others - benefiting thousands of persons with disabilities each year.
3. Strengthening the Disability Network
Between 2016 and 2024, ACDC supported the establishment, capacity building, and sustained operation of a total of 45 disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) and disability clubs across various provinces nationwide.
Since 2016, ACDC has supported the establishment of 22 organizations of persons with disabilities (including associations, groups, and clubs) and provided capacity building and networking support for 23 provincial-level disabled persons’ organizations across the country.
Technical assistance has been provided to 25 disability-led groups and organizations. In addition, more than 43 representatives of persons with disabilities have been trained to participate in national-level policy forums.
4. Awareness Raising and Communication
4.1 Awareness Raising
ACDC has organized nearly 260 training courses, workshops, and capacity-building events, engaging over 65,400 participants, including government officials, business representatives, media professionals, persons with disabilities, and their families.
More than 1,600 healthcare workers and nearly 2,500 caregivers have been trained on rehabilitation and community-based inclusion.
To date, 27 out of 34 provinces and cities nationwide have benefited from ACDC’s activities.
4.2 Key Communication Initiatives
Over 16,000 communication materials have been developed and distributed to persons with disabilities and their families, contributing to increased public awareness and understanding of disability issues.
Job Fairs for Persons with Disabilities in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam: Attracted nearly 400 persons with disabilities and 42 businesses, creating job connection opportunities.
Run with Persons with Disabilities – No Distance, No Limits: Held in Quang Tri (2019) and Tam Ky, Quang Nam (2023), with the participation of over 1,200 runners with disabilities and community members.
“Our Voices” Drawing Contest (2023): Received 186 artworks from children with disabilities nationwide, spreading the message of the right to protection and participation.
Multi-channel Communication Campaigns: Produced flyers, documentaries, TV features, and social media content to raise public awareness about the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities.
Series of Events Celebrating the Vietnamese Day of Persons with Disabilities (April 18) and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3): Held in various provinces, attracting thousands of persons with disabilities and community members each year.
